Sierra Blogging Post Archives

It's been in the news for weeks now. Toys from China are being recalled at alarming rates due to the use of lead paint. Just today, Mattel recalled 844,000 more lead paint-tainted toys. Lead paint is toxic. Especially to children.

These recent lead paint scares aren't all that's wrong with the toy industry. Cheap toy imports are bad for the environment and the people that manufacture them, too. Plastic toys create tons of waste and pollution each year. They break easily and are usually thrown away after less than one year of use.

Maybe these recalls are a sign that we should rethink children's toys and get back to basics. Greener toy giving would eliminate these risks and help solve environmental problems at the same time. It's a win-win solution.

Here are a few ways to green up your gift list:

1. Avoid cheap plastic or PVC toys. They simply don't last and end up in the landfill (which is quite crowded already). Think quality, not quantity, when gift giving.

2. Buy sturdy toys made of natural materials that will last. Look for eco, organic or sustainable-certified wooden toys. You'll never have to worry about what's in the paint or what pesticides were used.

3. Even better, buy sturdy used toys made of natural materials. Your kids should be able to give them to their kids (or other kids). Teach children that used, or "recycled", toys can be every bit as good as new. You could even get creative and encourage children to make up stories about a toy's previous life.

4. On special occasions, treat kids to a day outdoors rather than giving them another toy they'll soon forget about anyway. The imagination grows best when fed with plenty of sunlight and fresh air. Get them a backpack and boots and take them for a hike. That's something they'll remember.

5. Trade toys with friends, neighbors, or family members. Start a toy co-op. When your kids outgrow their toys, give them to the co-op, hand them down, or donate them to your local Salvation Army.

6. Avoid battery-powered toys. If your kid insists on toys that move, flash, shake, or light up, purchase a battery recharger so you can reuse your batteries (and save money).

There's nothing as important as our children's health and safety... except maybe the health of the planet. By giving green toys, we can help save both and ensure our most precious of resources live long, happy lives.

Here's the official list of toy recalls from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.